Lane Kiffin-- The Misfit
It wasn't going to last long. I felt it the day he was hired. And I wondered about it again as I was walking off the field at the Georgia Dome on New Year's Eve.
Mike Hamilton won the press conference when he hired Lane Kiffin in December 2008. But the hire has now backfired miserably. The coach who made headlines for Tennessee football has made another-- and this time it comes at Tennessee's expense.
The day Kiffin was introduced as Tennessee's head football coach-- he answered my question about how committed he was to staying at UT. Kiffin looked straight at me, and said he'd be here for a long time. He said he wasn't interested in going anyplace else. Despite his direct answer, I still wondered.
I immediately told colleagues my over/under on Kiffin at Tennessee was 3 years. Turns out, I gave him too much credit. He lasted less than 14 months.
In fairness to Lane, things change. Life is a constant check-off at the line of scrimmage. Kiffin had no clue the head coaching job at Southern Cal would come open. But it did, and he obviously saw this as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Kiffin has that SoCal look about him. His wife dresses not-so Southern on game days. I'm not even sure what that means, but I know a Southern coach's wife when I see one. Something just didn't fit.
On Wednesday night during our live coverage, Volquest.com's John Brice told our viewers that Kiffin assistant Ed Orgeron was calling new UT recruits-- and telling them not to attend classes. If that's true, it's deplorable. Hamilton should have had Orgeron removed from the building by campus security.
It's ironic that Kiffin left Knoxville much like former Vol basketball coach Kevin O'Neill did. Quickly, and under the cover of darkness. It's also ironic that both now work at the same place, at the University of Southern California.
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Lane and His Possible Replacement
I, too, felt Kiffin was not a good fit for Tennessee almost from day one, when he ran his mouth and got himself in trouble himself in trouble the first time. While I am not surprised he is leaving Tennessee, I am surprised at the suddenness of his departure after only 14 months. Regarding replacements, I've heard some early names, including Calhoun, Nutt, Petrino and the coach from Texas. What about making a play for someone like Steve Spurrier? Spurrier has already proven himself with bigtime programs, and that is exactly what Tennessee needs right now. And while some people might have a problem with Spurrier as a person, I personally love his coaching style. Please make Spurrier an offer!!!
It's Time
IT'S TIME !
For Mike Hamilton to GO.....
hut 4 new coach
kiffin proved to be a losser so now has any one contacted coach john gruden?
He was shifty from day one
I think it is just now registering with many VOL fans that the blood, sweat, and tears Fulmer put into the program is not easy to replace. To hand over those expectations freely to a SoCal was mind boggling to me. What I learned from the years I lived in Southern Cali is that you do NOT put stock in SoCal "integrity".
It's a hard lesson for some, but we will prevail.
No matter what I thought before, this one was still a schocker
Jim,
Glad to hear you on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville this morning, and also glad you mentioned your blog (if only in passing). Now I have a new source back home to check things out!
Before Kiffin was hired, I never felt like Coach Fulmer's successor was going to be THE next long term coach at Tennessee. Just like you, I gave Kiffin 3 years at best before he would bolt for another job. I feel really stupid for giving him that much credit.
I am glad he's gone, and here's why. He just showed how smart he really is, and how much his word really means. You have to think Carroll's successor at USC won't be there very long either... sanctions, down recruiting, natural cycle of rising and falling programs in sports... is just going to take hold there. It's the natural order or things. Wouldn't a really smart person say "thanks" to USC while paying (at the very least) lip-service to their obligations at their current job, show your skills in rebuilding a program and in 2-5 years when they are looking again for coach, be ready to make the switch for your dream job?
Kiffin was hired at USC simply as a stop-gap to keep recruits from fleeing there after Carroll's departure and maybe to help keep the recruiting base somewhat in tact over the next few years. I will say now, that Kiffin will be fired from USC probably after his 2nd (maybe 3rd) season, if not sooner for making more trouble with the NCAA.
And no one should hold grudge's on Monte. He's old, he's paid his dues, and he wants to enjoy his remaining professional working career with his son. Who wouldn't want to experience that?
Thanks
Anthony, Thanks for the post. I think it's kind of strange SC is looking to make good with the NCAA, and then hires CLK. Bad move. Keep listening to The Zone in Nashville. I've known Mark Howard a loooooong time. Great guy.
New Coach Whoever
University of Tennessee football is all about tradition. This is something the officials looking for a new coach need to make sure the applicants understands. Players and fans feel the orange pride at Tennessee. For this program to continue its history making tradition, the head coach and his staff must also feel this tradition and pride. I pray the officials will find someone this time who's blood runs orange not the green of money.
Kiffin
I watched you last night on the news when the story broke. If I could have, I would have told you that you had the situation and the person pegged all along.
Never did I think anyone could have the conscience to bolt like that at such a strategic time in the Program. I was shocked past understanding. I still can't understand his lack of care and his ability to not even look back once in his haste to leave. That for his family and asst. coaches as well. They are quite a group.
Kiffin
Wouldn't it be nice if Tony Duggen would help us out of this mess............and then maybe Peyton would be ready of UT.....
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